Ian Thomson stabbed Sunday in downtown Peterborough

Ian Thomson

PETERBOROUGH -- A small group of friends gathered and said a prayer for Ian Thomson Monday (July 29).
They’re praying their 54-year-old buddy will pull through from stab wounds he suffered Sunday (July 28).
“We’re leaving it up to God right now to bring him back,” says an emotional Brian LaPorte, outside the Lighthouse Community Centre on Brock Street, where Mr. Thomson was a regular.
Mr. Thomson remains in critical condition in a Toronto hospital with upper body injuries. Peterborough-Lakefield police say Mr. Thomson was stabbed and slashed several times around 7:30 p.m. on Sunday night on George Street.
“He is a really nice guy,” adds Corby Dewitt from a circle of Mr. Thomson’s friends.
Those who know Mr. Thomson describe him as friendly and funny.
“He’s kind and jokes around with people a lot. He’s always funny and helps people on the street,” says Mr. Dewitt.
Chasity Ellis doesn’t know why someone would have attacked Mr. Thomson.
“I hope he gets better soon,” she says.
“When I needed something, I would go to Ian and he would help me.”
Police have not made an arrest in the case and aren’t speculating on what led to the stabbing.
However, friends say that Mr. Thomson likes to drink and wasn’t afraid to speak his mind.
“He could be a little bit mouthy sometimes when he is drunk but everyone can be, so there’s is no point of hurting an older person,” adds Mr. Dewitt.
Mr. Thomson collapsed outside the Black Horse Pub around 8 p.m.
“It was a pretty graphic scene,” explains Todd Dafoe, a chef at the pub.
He says patrons and two servers rushed to the aide of Mr. Thomson, who bystanders described as having several wounds to his neck and face.
“It is pretty traumatizing,” he says.
Police closed off section of George Street North, between Murray and Brock streets, Sunday night, where the Criminal Investigations Unit were on the scene. Investigators continued its investigation Monday (July 29) morning. Forensic identification officers were taking evidence from an apartment building at the back of Downtown Discounts, located at 464 George St. North. Officers were also canvassing the downtown area for clues.
Police are asking for anyone who may have seen or had any contact with Mr. Thomson on Sunday during the hours leading up to 7:40 p.m. to contact the Peterborough-Lakefield Community Police Service Criminal Investigations at 705-876-1122, ext. 555.